There is the Kimber TLE (which has a 30LPI checkered frontstrap), but Kimber isn't exactly well regarded around here.
There is the Kimber TLE (which has a 30LPI checkered frontstrap), but Kimber isn't exactly well regarded around here.
"When the phone rang, Parker was in the garage, killing a man."
I do not know if this is a option you would try. But the Wilson checkered front strap works pretty well. I put one on my Springfield lb operator. This would let you buy a good base gun that does not come with a checkered front strap.
https://shopwilsoncombat.com/mobile/...ductinfo/100B/
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Can you diagnose and repair issues? Because that helps to know how when dealing with 1911s. Spring choices, proper magazine selection, extractor and ejector tuning...do you have sandpaper and/or files? They may be necessary unless you send the gun to the factory for a few weeks if you run into problems.
Nothing to say other than what's already been said. Springfield, Colt, DW or Ruger.
You may not have checkering on the cheaper ones...my suggestion for an inexpensive gun that can be made to run well is a Ruger SR1911 and add the pachmayr wraparound grips. It's grippy everywhere and you don't have to worry about the lack of plunger tube support because it's a part of the frame for a Ruger. That and an account on a 1911 specific forum can get you started on knowing the ins and outs of the gun.
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I’ve had 20 DW’s, probably 15 of them duty treat, with the other 5 being bare stainless. Never had any issue with the duty treat or galling, but of course I can read and know which cleaners to not use on the duty treat and which lubricants to use on the rails.Originally Posted by JTQ
The vast majority of galling I know of with the bare stainless guns have been because people use too thin of a lubricant during the first few magazines. DW did have a bad run of guns during the first half of 2015 and there was a lot of guns that were galling, but they got that fixed.
Galling will ALWAYS be a possibility with stainless on stainless, especially when the tolerances are tight.
I’m down to just one DW these days, with my most recent 1911 purchases being Wilsons, but I’m convinced they are the best value in the 1911 world.
Depends on what your friend wants to do with their 1911. That would probably work fine. My opinion is that arched mainspring housings are the work of the Devil. They are a blight upon the beauty that John Moses Browning gave us. Flat housings and medium or long triggers = Truth and Way of JMB.
My understanding is that the Duty Treat issues are a reflection of using solvents that can cause discoloration (not really compromise the finish, just discolor it). I'd probably follow the advice of solvent manufacturers that advise you to test the solvent in a non-visible area to determine it is appropriate for use with the finish.
Stainless galling can happen on just about anything. Good lube and if it becomes an issue, send it back to DW and have it replaced. And as far as 30-years ago, I'd be not. 3rd gen Smiths made as late as 2000 had/have issues with galling from time to time.
Aside from the occasional poorly tuned extractor, most Colts don't need much. In particular, Colt seems to be in their game in terms of getting locking lugs sorted properly and timing down properly. "Reliability tunes" are problem more sources of problems than solutions to them. Easier is to buy a tensioner and a set of tension gauges from Brownells and learn to do it yourself. 1911s that won't extract properly won't run. Those that extract can often run even when other things are mucked up.
I kind of think it's awesome to some degree. The choices range from, "$500 to $10,000" and everything in between. Sure, there are $2000 Glocks...but they're still ugly.
The DW Pointman, Specialist, and Vigil all have checkered front straps. Though the Vigil is a lightweight with an aluminum frame.
The TLE/RL II I have is working fine. And honestly it seems like Kimber issues are fewer and farther between these days. But still, with a Dan Wesson running anywhere from $1000-1500 for a Vigil to Specialist (Pointman is in between), I'd go DW over Kimber.
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If I wanted a 1911 that's purpose was:
Occasionally get shot, but mostly look pretty: Colt Series 70.
A carry gun? Dan Wesson Vigil or Rock River Arms Poly
A duty gun? Dan Wesson Specialist, Wilson Combat CQB Tactical LE, Nighthawk Recon (any of the various Recons)
A double stack? Wilson EDC X9 (concealed carry) or STI (gaming maybe as a duty gun).
A 9mm gun? Wilson, Nighthawk, or STI - If RRA every gives us a Poly in 9mm that'll be awesome and worth investigating.
A Commander-sized gun? Dan Wesson, Nighthawk, Wilson
A CCO? Dan Wesson, Nighthawk
An Officer's Sized Gun? Wilson, Nighthawk
While my 1911 collection pales in comparison to some folks here, the general consensus seems to be Dan Wesson offers probably the best value of features, construction, and reliability in as theJanitor called them "Over The Counter" 1911s.
@RevolverRob should I tell him about one of these?
https://www.colt.com/detail-page/col...ood-grip-blued
He’s looking at a 1911 kinda like one looks at a new 911 - He’s happy with what he has, but he never knows when he might win the Lottery.
Last edited by RJ; 03-09-2019 at 04:34 PM.
Yes a good old fashioned S70 or the Series 80 either will serve as weekend drivers matched with great looks. If your friend is considering a Brit or Italian car instead he may think about a Gold Cup National Match. Beautiful, performs well, may require more maintenance.@RevolverRob should I tell him about one of these?
https://www.colt.com/detail-page/col...ood-grip-blued
He’s looking at a 1911 kinda like one looks at a new 911 - He’s happy with what he has, but he never knows when he might win the Lottery.
Last edited by RevolverRob; 03-09-2019 at 04:48 PM.
Wow thanks for all the info guys! I should have stated my price range from the beginning. I’d like to get something around $1k max. I know that’s not much in the 1911 world, but that’s what I’m willing to spend. I’m perfectly willing to except that I can’t expect the moon for that price, but I wanted to see what your recommendations would be.
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you should be in the used classifieds.
https://www.ar15.com/forums/Equipmen...TX/88-1858838/
https://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/...acp+5+8rd+semi
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